This is the Year for Gen Y to Speak Up
According to Matt Miller’s recent Washington Post opinion article, Americans under the age of 35 are getting overlooked, especially when it comes to public policy.
Student debt is soaring at unprecedented rates; Pell Grants today cover approximately 33% of public college costs, compared to 70% in previous decades. In addition, Gen Y is having a harder time finding jobs and when they do, they are making less than their parents did at the same age. Finally, the K-12 education system has been deteriorating over the past decade as well. In fact, most programs that don’t manage elderly or Boomer needs have been declining or disappearing.
Miller makes the argument that Gen Y must become more active and vocal when it comes to the political realm. Why? Because this year politicians are primarily concerned with reelection and many of the problems Gen Y is facing can be addressed by politicians who have an incentive to take action.
Gen Y has the potential to make an enormous impact in American and political history. With a count of over 95 million members, roughly 46 million of them are eligible to vote in 2012. In fact, Gen Y makes up about 18% of the electorate, which is surprisingly bigger than senior citizens, who are quite vocal about public policy.
What do you find most effective when it comes to being heard in the political realm? Is it being a part of an association, writing an email to your Senator, registering to vote, donating money, commenting on online articles, or volunteering with campaigns?
If you are a member of Gen Y, what role do you play and what are you most concerned about? Is it finding a job, a new home or financing your education?
Whatever you do, remember this: If Gen Y doesn’t start to mobilize their efforts, their voice will soon be drowned out and the money will be long gone. Are you ready for that?
